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CORONAVIRUS TESTING BASICS

This 3 minutevideo explains the basics of COVID-19 testing.

Where to get a test for COVID-19

Understanding your test results

NOTE: The information on this webpage does not replace medical guidance. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you need to test, and if you are tested, what your result means.

If you did a home test and need advice about what to do next, you can also call the DPH COVID-19 information line at 1-833-540-0473.

COVID-19 TESTING OVERVIEW

There are different types of COVID-19 tests. Viral tests (NAAT and antigen) are swab or saliva tests that look for current infection. Blood tests, called antibody tests look for past infection. Only viral tests are recommended to see if you are currently infected with COVID-19.
Some viral tests can be done without being sent to a laboratory – this includes rapid tests, some of which can be done at home (self-tests).
It is important to get a COVID-19 test, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines:
- If you develop symptoms of COVID-19
- If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19
- If you have traveled internationally or to areas in the US where COVID-19 is quickly spreading
- As an extra layer of protection to protect others from getting sick.
See When to get a test to learn more about when testing is required or recommended.
Testing is an important tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but testing alone is not enough. To reduce your risk, get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask indoors, avoid crowds and spaces with poor air flow, and stay home when you are sick. Learn more at ph.lacounty.gov/reducerisk.
So far, it appears tests for current infection (e.g., viral tests) continue to work well at detecting COVID-19 infection with the Omicron variant.

TYPES OF COVID-19 TEST

Viral tests are swab or saliva tests.

They can show if you have a current infection.
There are two types of viral tests: antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).
Viral tests can be rapid tests (results in 15-30 min) or laboratory-based tests (that can take 1-3 days for results). Most antigen tests and some NAAT tests are rapid tests.
There are now several rapid tests that are available over-the-counter (OTC) for testing yourself at home or anywhere. See self-testing to learn more.
PCR tests are a type of NAAT test that is usually performed in a laboratory. PCR tests are considered the most accurate test for COVID-19. They are often used to confirm the results of rapid tests.
NAAT and antigen tests can be used whether you have symptoms or not. There are trade-offs to both kinds of tests. Rapid tests are recommended when you need or want to know your results right away but false results are a bit more common. More accurate NAATs (usually PCR tests) are recommended to confirm some rapid test results and when a person can wait for the test result; these tests are less likely to yield a false result. Antigen tests are recommended over NAAT tests when testing to get out of isolation early.
See Understanding Your Viral Test Result and What to do Next for more information.

Antibody tests (also known as serology tests) are blood tests.

They might tell you if you had an infection in the past, but they cannot tell you when.
They should not be used to test for a current infection or to tell if you are protected from getting COVID-19 in the future.

	VIRAL TESTS (swab or saliva tests) Looks for current infection		ANTIBODY TEST (blood tests) Looks for past infection
	NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST (NAAT)	ANTIGEN TEST	ANTIBODY TEST
	Also known as molecular tests. Includes different types of tests such as: PCR (such as Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction - RT-PCR) Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)		Also known as blood test, serologic test, or “serology”
How the test works	Detects genetic material (RNA) within the COVID-19 virus	Detects proteins (or antigens) on the surface of the COVID-19 virus	Detects antibodies made by the immune system
How the test is done	Saliva, or swab from nose or throat	Swab from nose or throat	Blood from arm or finger stick
How long it takes to get results	Same day and up to 3 days. Some are rapid (around 20 minutes)	Most are rapid, around 15 minutes or less.	Same day and up to 3 days

When to Get a Test

The following information refers to COVID-19 viral tests.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms:
- Talk to your doctor and get tested as soon as possible— even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines or have had COVID-19 in the past.
If you have been a "close contact" to someone with COVID-19 within the last 10 days:
- Get tested immediately and then get tested again on day 5 or later after your exposure—even if you are vaccinated. For details, visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidquarantine.
To end isolation early
- If you are in isolation for a COVID-19 infection, you may be able to get out early (after at least 5 days) if you test negative. See isolation instructions.
Before and after travel
- Get tested 1-3 days before domestic travel and 3-5 days after returning from any travel (foreign or domestic), even if you are fully vaccinated.
- Testing is REQUIRED for all international travelers before boarding a plane to the US.
- See LAC DPH Travel Advisory for current recommendations.
- Testing may also be required before and after arriving in other countries. Check the rules before you plan your travel.
If you plan to go to a gathering or event
- It is recommended that you get tested if you are going to be gathering indoors with people from other households, especially if there will be people attending who are at risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19 or are unvaccinated. This is very important if you are not vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, testing before attending an event adds an extra layer of protection for everyone at the gathering.
After attending a gathering or event
- It is recommended that you get tested after attending gatherings or events with large numbers of people, especially if the event was indoors.
If you work in a place where COVID-19 vaccination is required
- Regular testing is required for persons who are not fully vaccinated at many workplaces.
If you are visiting certain places and you are not fully vaccinated. A negative test is required to enter many places, including:
- Mega-events, both indoors and outdoors
- Indoors at skilled nursing facilities*, intermediate care facilities, and juvenile detention facilities
- Adult correctional and detention centers
- Certain businesses and venues.
*Effective December 15, 2021 through January 31, 2022, all general visitors to indoor portions of skilled nursing facilities must have a negative test prior to entry, regardless of vaccination status. See Health Officer Order.
If you are a staff member or an athlete participating in moderate- or high-risk organized youth sports, including school sports teams.
- For information about testing requirements and recommendations see COVID-19 Prevention at Youth Sports and the Protocol for Organized Youth Sports.
If you are a schoolteacher or student
- Teachers who are not fully vaccinated are required to get regular testing.
- It is recommended that students get regular testing if they are not fully vaccinated.
- If community transmission rates are high, fully vaccinated students and teachers may also be asked to get tested.

Note: There may be other settings that have their own testing requirements.

Where to Get a COVID-19 Test

At your doctor's office. If you need help finding a doctor, call 2-1-1 or visit 211LA
In a pharmacy. Many pharmacies offer free COVID-19 viral tests. Call or visit the website of your local pharmacy for details.
From your employer or school. If your employer or school requires a test, get a test through your employer or educational facility.
A private testing facility. To find out if you have COVID-19, be sure to get a viral/diagnostic COVID-19 test, not an antibody (blood) test. Ask if the location takes insurance, if there are any additional costs, and how you will get your results. Note, the County does not endorse or regulate all COVID-19 testing sites. For tips on how to avoid being the victim of a scam, read this information from the Federal Trade Commission about scam test sites and the Public Health COVID-19 scams and fraud page.
Free County-sponsored PCR testing is also available, especially for people ages 4+ who do not have insurance or access to testing through their job or school. Visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/ to learn more about all the options below. If you don’t have access to the internet or email or need help arranging a test, call 2-1-1. You will not be asked about your immigration status.
- Visit a testing site - There are many locations across Los Angeles. The results typically take 24-48 hours.
- Order a kit by mail – if you live in LA County and you have COVID-19 symptoms or think you were exposed to COVID-19. You order the test online and it is delivered to your home. You collect the sample at home and return it to the lab via FedEx. You will get your test result 48 hours after the lab receives your specimen.
- Pick-up a test kit – if you live in LA County and you have COVID-19 symptoms or think you were exposed to COVID-19. You pick up a test kit from a location in LA County, collect the sample at home or in your car and return the kit to the same site. The test result takes 24-48 hours. Supplies are limited.
At home. Home collection kits and self-test kits are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). For home collection kits, you collect the sample at home and then send it to a lab or test site for processing. For self-test kits, you collect the sample and do the test yourself.
- Free home-test kits:
  - You can order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests per household at COVIDtests.gov. The tests are mailed via USPS in 7-12 days. They are rapid antigen tests that give a result in 30 minutes.
  - Most people with health insurance can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home FDA-authorized COVID-19 test at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. Health insurance companies will pay for up to 8 at-home tests per month for each person on the plan. They pay up to $12 per individual test (or the cost of the test, if less than $12). Medicare does not provide this service, but some Medicare Advantage programs do. For more information visit the CMS at home over the counter webpage.
  - Visit the CDC self-testing website to learn more. The Federal Trade Commission has information about how to avoid buying fake test kits online.

For information about testing children, see COVID-19 Testing Resources for Children.

Visit Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 to locate no-cost testing at local health centers or select pharmacies.

Beware of COVID-19 testing scams – visit our COVID-19 scams and fraud page for more information.

Paying For a Test

Health insurers are required (by federal law) to cover the entire cost of testing whether you have symptoms or not. A doctor will need to order the test. (Note: if you buy an at-home test without a prescription, your health insurance may not pay for it. Also, insurance companies may not cover COVID-19 testing if done as part of an employee return-to-work programs.)
Testing at LA County testing sites is free for all LA County residents. This includes undocumented residents and those with and without health insurance. Visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/.
COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide at health centers and select pharmacies. Visit Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19.

What to Know When Getting Tested

Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
If you have to be tested for screening purposes such as for work or travel, make sure that you get a test that meets the requirements of your employer, airline, or other institution.
Before you get a test make sure that you know:
- What type of test you are being offered (NAAT or antigen).
- How long it will take to get your results.
- How you will find out the results.
- What precautions you should take while you wait for your results and what you should do if your result is positive or is negative.
After you receive your test result, make sure that you understand what your result means and what to do next. You should be given a fact sheet about the test you received. If you did not, ask for one.

Understanding Your Viral Test Results and What to do Next

Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand what your viral test result means and any next steps. If you did a home test and need advice about what to do next, you can also call the DPH COVID-19 information line at 1-833-540-0473.

	SUMMARY: VIRAL TESTS - WHAT A RESULT MEANS
	NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION TEST (NAAT)	ANTIGEN TEST
Positive Result*	A positive result means the test found the COVID-19 virus. It is very likely you have COVID-19. You need to follow isolation instructions.	A positive result means the test found the COVID-19 virus proteins. It is very likely you have COVID-19. You need to follow isolation instructions.
Negative Result*	A negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found.	A negative result means that COVID-19 virus proteins were not found. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is recommended that you check with your doctor about getting a NAAT test because antigen tests often miss infections.

*No test for COVID-19 is perfect. Any test may produce:

False negative results
- This means that the test result comes back negative even though you DO have COVID-19.
- This may happen, for example, if the sample was not collected properly, the test procedure was not correctly followed, the test was taken too soon, or the test didn’t perform well.
False positive results
- This means that the test result comes back positive even though you DO NOT have COVID-19.
- This may happen, for example, if the test procedure was not followed correctly or the test didn’t perform well.

Your COVID-19 Test was POSITIVE (POS)

The test detected the COVID-19 virus. It is very likely you have COVID-19 and could spread it to others. For instructions on what to do next click on the situation that applies to you.

POS TEST - If you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

Isolate: stay home away from others and follow instruction: ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
Tell all of your close contacts that they have been exposed: give them the Quarantine and Other Instructions for Close Contacts available at ph.lacounty.gov/covidquarantine.
Answer the call from LA Public Health: Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by answering if you get a call from “LA Public Health” or (833) 641-0305. You can also call (833) 540-0473.
If you did a home/self-test and have questions about isolation or you need referrals/resources or help to notify your contacts, call the DPH COVID-19 information line at 1-833-540-0473.

POS TEST - If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19

If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19

Isolate- stay home away from others and follow instructions: ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
Tell all of your close contacts that they have been exposed: give them the Quarantine and Other Instructions for Close Contacts available at ph.lacounty.gov/covidquarantine.
Answer the call from LA Public Health: Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by answering if you get a call from “LA Public Health” or (833) 641-0305. You can also call (833) 540-0473.
If you did a home/self-test and have questions about isolation or you need referrals/resources or help to notify your contacts, call the DPH COVID-19 information line at 1-833-540-0473.

Your COVID-19 Test was NEGATIVE (NEG)

A negative COVID-19 result means the test did NOT detect the COVID-19 virus at the time you took the test. For instructions on what to do next click on the situation that applies to you.

NEG TEST - If you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

Important note: If you have been in to a person with COVID-19 within the past 10 days, these instructions do not apply to you. Please follow If you develop symptoms section of Quarantine and Other Instructions for Close Contacts at ph.lacounty.gov/covidquarantine

It is possible that the test is wrong and that you are infected. This can happen if the test is taken too early or if the test misses your infection. If you continue to feel sick, keep staying away from others, and call your doctor about getting tested again.

If you have symptoms AND you have a negative test, stay home until at least*:
- You have been fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medicines for at least 24 hours and
- Your other symptoms have improved (unless your doctor told you to stay at home longer.

Note: Even with a negative test, your doctor may still diagnose you with COVID-19 based on your history, symptoms, and your physical examination (if done).

*If your negative test is an antigen test, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether you should get a NAAT test and when you can stop self-isolation. This is because antigen tests are more likely to miss infections than NAAT tests.

If you are not sure what kind test you got, look at your test result report, ask your doctor, or look on the webpage where you booked the appointment.

NEG TEST - If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19

If you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19

If you are not a close contact, it is very unlikely you have COVID-19.

Keep safe and help prevent the spread of COVID. See Reducing Risk for information.

TESTING FOR PAST INFECTION: ANTIBODY TESTS (serology)

The basics of COVID-19 antibody testing. (1 minute video, no sound)

COVID-19 antibody tests (also known as serology tests) are blood tests that are used to look for antibodies to SARS-COV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). If we get COVID-19 or a COVID-19 vaccine our body’s immune system responds. It makes antibodies and prepares our immune cells to be ready to fight the virus in the future.

COVID-19 antibody tests do not look for the actual SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. They can be used to help figure out if someone was infected with COVID-19 in the past. It takes about one to three weeks after becoming infected for the body to make enough antibodies to be found by a test. Some people may take even longer, and some people who were infected with COVID-19 may never develop antibodies. NONE of the currently authorized tests are recommended to see if people have been successfully vaccinated against COVID-19.

When COVID-19 antibody tests may be useful

There are situations where antibody tests may be helpful. For example:

Doctors may order antibody tests (in addition to viral tests) for patients with a complicated illness that is difficult to diagnose.
Public health organizations may use antibody tests to learn more about how the virus has spread in a community.
Scientists may use antibody tests for research.

COVID-19 antibody tests cannot tell a person:

When or if they definitely had COVID-19
Whether or not they are protected (immune) from COVID-19
Whether it is safe to travel or spend time with other people
Whether they need to isolate or quarantine
Whether they should or should not get vaccinated
Whether or not their vaccine is working.

We do not know yet if having antibodies to the COVID-19 virus can protect someone from getting infected again or, if it does, how long that protection (immunity) might last. Even if you had a positive antibody test, you should continue to practice everyday prevention to protect yourself and others, including getting vaccinated. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Antibody tests are not 100% accurate, so false positives and negatives may occur. Talk to your doctor before being tested for antibodies. Your doctor can help you decide if you should be tested and, if you are tested, tell you what your results mean. To learn more about using antibody tests to look for past infection, visit the CDC webpage.

MORE INFORMATION

CDC COVID-19 Testing: webpage with links to pages on types of tests and FAQs
FDA Coronavirus Basics: webpage explains the different types of tests, and how they are performed and approved.

COVID-19

Testing